Google to Block Unverified Android App Sideloading Via Third-Party App Providers Starting Next Year in 2026
The California-based tech giant – Google after making it mandatory for Play Store app developers to verify their identity back in 2023, is taking a next step to prevent malware from third-party app providers to enter Android smartphone devices. However, it also has to be noted that Google lost against Epic Games in the antitrust case and while the brand plans to appeal the case before the US Supreme Court, significant changes will have to be brought within Play Store from Google’s end including listing of third-party app stores, and the decision of introducing a developer verification program for third-party app providers follows this.
Read more about the news below.
No More Unverified App Sideloading Through Third-Party App Providers on Android Phones?
As noted by Google, ever after bringing the verification for app developers on Play Store, the malware spread via apps downloaded from Play Store reduced and as of now, 50x more risks are posed by sideloaded apps that are downloaded through third-party app providers. In order to bring a halt to it and also to prevent threat actors from getting access via unsafe apps, Google has decided to introduce a developer verification program for third-party app providers who offer apps outside of Google’s Play Store.
App providers who intend to offer apps outside the Play Store will have to register themselves on a new Android Developer Console and get verified. Google compares the verification process to the same as the ID check on an airport, where only the identity of the developer will be reviewed and verified, and not the contents of the app(s). This new system is said to enter the testing phase in October 2025, and developers will be given access in March 2026. In September 2026, actions will start to be taken in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brazil. Later in 2027, it will be expanded globally as well.
Stay tuned for more updates.
